TISSUE TESTING HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 TISSUE TESTING HANDBOOK B Zn _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 1 4/6/18 3:03 PM

2 ZINC: 28 PPM RESPONSIVE MANGANESE: 50 PPM DEFICIENT Tissue sampling results show nutrient levels within the plant at that given growth stage _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 2 4/6/18 3:03 PM

3 NutriSolutions by WinField United: Greater Yield Potential Starts With Small Adjustments Combined with the expertise of WinField United agronomists, NutriSolutions can help crops get off to a strong start, monitor ongoing nutrient levels and correct deficiencies before yields are affected. Soil testing: Soil samples provide measurements of the total exchangeable and potentially available nutrients for the plant to uptake. NutriSolutions tissue analysis: In-season tissue sampling and analysis identifies which nutrient levels to address. Insights gained through using NutriSolutions tissue and soil testing can help _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 3 4/10/18 11:01 AM

4 WHY TISSUE TEST? Tissue Testing Defends Yield Potential In-season In-season plant nutrient applications help protect yield potential against environmental stresses and boost overall plant growth. Tissue testing indicates nutrient levels within the plant at that given growth stage. WinField United s proprietary NutriSolutions tissue testing and analyses pinpoint nutrient deficiencies at critical growth stages so farmers can make adjustments before yield potential is compromised. More than 450,000 tissue samples taken have proven that farmers can identify deficiencies and adjust plant nutrient levels at critical stages. Only tissue testing can determine which available nutrients have entered the plant and measure their effectiveness. MAX-IN micronutrients mix easily with other crop protection products, including glyphosate, and can be used on a broad spectrum of crops to fuel in-season plant growth and development. CornSorb technology drives micronutrients through the waxy leaf cuticle and into plant cells to help increase uptake. The R7 Tool combines satellite imagery with local seed and crop protection data to generate valuable field performance information. In-season satellite imagery of biomass and field GPS mapping with the R7 Tool will identify deficient areas in the field for more targeted NutriSolutions tissue testing and plant analyses. NutriSolutions tissue data is imported into the R7 Tool for a complete review of current and previous years to help farmers plan for the next season. Analyzing different nutrient levels can help determine the cause of biomass variances, which is directly related to yield potential at the end of the season. Frequent Sampling Creates Accuracy Because soil ph, fertilizer rate, soil compaction, nematodes and other factors can influence nutrient use and uptake, plant tissue concentrations can change during the growing season. In order to detect these changes, take at least three tissue samples throughout the season to make an accurate yearlong assessment of plant nutrient needs _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 4 4/10/18 11:01 AM

5 Tissue Testing Can Find Deficiency In-season Figure 1 shows the relationship between tissue analysis and the critical level of a nutrient in a plant part. Leaf tissue concentrations at or below the critical value indicate that the levels of the nutrient are insufficient for optimal crop growth and yield. At this point, the crop may respond to added fertilizer or a foliar nutrient application. Concentrations of nutrients above the critical range may not necessarily be harmful to the plant, but indicate abnormal conditions, possibly due to high soil test levels or some other factor. The reason should be investigated. For optimal growth and yield potential, the nutrient should be kept in the middle of the sufficiency zone. If nutrient concentration reaches the critical level (the lower end of the sufficiency range), plant growth will be affected. Crops should be managed to keep nutrient levels above published critical levels. Figure 1. An illustration of the meaning of plant tissue analysis interpretive terminology Deficient Critical Sufficient High Toxic Relative growth or production (% of maximum) critical value for deficiency critical value for toxicity Nutrient concentration in plant part (% or ppm) Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council Inc Modified from p. 78 in Plant Analysis: An Interpretation Manual (DJ Reuter et al.), with permission from CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne Australia ( _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 5 4/6/18 3:03 PM

6 HOW TO TISSUE TEST Accuracy Starts With the Right Sample Use care when collecting, preparing and sending plant samples to the lab, because the analysis is only as good as the sample. If a poor sample is taken, inaccurate results are likely. Follow these easy steps to ensure accuracy Step One: Be crop specific. Different crops require different sampling times for optimal results. Refer to the NutriSolutions sampling chart on pages 18 and 19 for the most favorable times to sample for your crops. Step Two: Choose optimal leaves. In general, the uppermost, recently mature leaves from a plant will provide the most ideal plant sample. Typically, young developing leaves and older mature leaves will not accurately reflect the nutrient status of the whole plant (Mills, et al., 1991). Step Three: Use healthy tissue. Plants should not come from areas of the field that have experienced long periods of stress. This stress includes, but is not limited to: drought, heat, standing water, nutritional stress, mechanical damage, disease damage and insect damage. If parts of the field are stressed, these areas should be sampled separately from the rest of the field so that a comparison can be done to determine the problem. Also, border rows and dead plants should not be included in the sample (Mills and Jones, 1996). 4 5 Step Four: Collect a sufficient amount of plant material. Be sure to follow instructions regarding the number of plants that should be sampled. In order for analysis to be accurate, the lab needs a sufficient amount of plant tissue. For example, when sampling pre-v5 corn plants, the sample should be about the same size as a softball when balled up. Before analysis can be performed, the sample must be dried, which will greatly decrease its weight and mass. Step Five: Randomize the plant selection process. Randomly select plants, so that the sample is representative of the entire area. When the field being sampled is under stress, the number of plants sampled becomes even more important. These situations may require sampling more plants to accurately cover the variability in the field (Mills and Jones, 1996). 6 Step Six: Avoid contamination. If there is a chance that the plant sample could have fertilizer residue, soil, or other forms of contamination on the leaves or petioles, rinse the sample with bottled water. Tap water may contain ions such as iron, calcium and magnesium, which can affect analysis. After rinsing the plant tissue, it is critical to get samples to the lab quickly _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 6 4/6/18 3:03 PM

7 Tips for Working With NutriSolutions Certified Laboratories Sample at Optimal Times Take tissue samples during the first part of the week so that they reach the lab in a timely fashion. Avoid Sampling Later in the Week If samples cannot be sent by Wednesday or Thursday, store them in a refrigerator to prevent tissue deterioration and mold formation, then ship them on Monday. Keep samples in a cool place whenever possible. Use Standard Sample Bags Only Samples should always be placed in NutriSolutions tissue bags. Do not use plastic bags, which provide an ideal environment for mold formation. Avoid Extreme Cold and Heat Sending samples to the lab on a Friday could mean they will be sitting in a hot warehouse until Monday. This could lead to sample deterioration and a loss of time and money. Cold conditions can also affect plant tissue integrity. Ensure that the tissue does not freeze during storage or transport (Mills and Jones, 1996). NutriSolutions Phone App Use the NutriSolutions phone app to scan bar codes on tissue bags. WinField United owners and employees, for the full Quick Reference guide, go to winfieldunited.com/login SureTech Laboratories in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of WinField United s state-of-theart facilities focused on innovative testing methods for soil health, plant tissue, feed and forage. For tissue sampling, using any of the NutriSolutions certified laboratories is acceptable _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 7 4/16/18 2:21 PM

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9 HOW TO INTERPRET TEST RESULTS The NutriSolutions Report at a Glance When you obtain your NutriSolutions tissue analysis, evaluate the status of the nutrients and identify the most limiting nutrient first. Then continue to the least limiting nutrient. The concentration of each nutrient in your plant tissue will be presented in the radar chart in the top half of the report, along with an interpretation of that value as Adequate, Responsive (low), Deficient or Excessive. Reading the Data Points on the NutriSolutions Tissue Analysis When the analysis shows that tissue concentration for an essential nutrient falls close to or below the lower sufficiency value, or close to or above the upper sufficiency value, you should assume that the determined nutrient value is affecting plant growth and should be corrected. Since there are no exact divisions between sufficient (Adequate) and Deficient, you should use the Adequate range as a guide. Sufficient and Deficient tissue nutrient concentration should be in the middle of this range for all essential nutrients. You should recognize that a nutrient at the lower end of the Adequate range can be Sufficient and Deficient at the same tissue concentration, depending on the interaction and concentration of the other nutrients _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 9 4/16/18 12:30 PM

10 Reading the NutriSolutions Report HOW DO I USE THE TISSUE RESULTS? The NutriSolutions tissue analysis report contains insights and precise recommendations. Report elements include: List of nutrients analyzed, along with color coded sample concentrations or percents (green yellow red). N:K ratio and N:S ratio more prominently displayed, with visual cues about possible deficiencies. Radar chart visually depicts nutrient status as adequate responsive deficient. Recommended application rates for deficient and responsive nutrients. 1. Start with N:K and N:S ratios, when applicable 2. Scan the radar chart for a quick snapshot The N:K ratio is important because together they impact protein synthesis, enzyme activation, water use efficiency and final yield. In the example here, the N:K ratio of 1.9:1 is too high. The ideal range is 1.4:1 to 1.6:1, so this indicates not enough potassium (K) for ideal nutrient cycling and nitrogen (N) movement within the plant. A potassium application is recommended. The radar chart on each NutriSolutions report visually displays the nutrient status of a sample in a target-like graphic. Dots in the green band indicate adequate nutrient levels (e.g. Cu, B, Mg), while yellow shows responsive nutrients (e.g. Zn, Ca) and red means deficient (e.g. Mn, N, K, P, S). The N:S ratio impacts nitrogen use efficiency, plant vigor, water use efficiency, phosphate use, along with other factors important to yield optimization. The example ratio of 16.2:1 is also a little high when compared to the ideal ratio of 15:1, meaning a sidedress or foliar application of sulfur (S) could be helpful. 10 winfieldunited.com Winfield United is a trademark and WinField and NutriSolutions are registered trademarks of Winfield Solutions, LLC Winfield Solutions, LLC _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 10 4/16/18 2:25 PM

11 Cu ppm Mn ppm P % B ppm Mg % 3 Review the recommendation column. Zn ppm Ca % The recommendation column contains a brief comment on the role each nutrient plays in the growth and yield of the crop you are evaluating. Comments include suggestions for fertilizer application to correct any nutrient levels in the Responsive (low) or Deficient range. S % Element Results Product / Rate Advice Phosphorus P-Responsive X Gainer : 5-10 lbs/acre Gainer : 5-10 lbs/acre Phosphorus is essential for root and leaf growth, plant vigor, and cell integrity. Investigate the reason for the low phosphorus levels. Magnesium Mg-Deficient X MAX-IN Magnesium : 2-4 quarts/acre Magnesium is essential for chlorophyll, photosynthesis, starch and carbohydrate production, and dry matter accumulation. Boron B-Responsive X MAX-IN Boron : pint/acre Boron is essential for pollen development and pollination and in the transfer of carbohydrates from leaf to ear. Zinc Zn-Deficient X MAX-IN Ultra ZMB : 1-2 quarts/acre MAX-IN Zinc : 1-2 quarts/acre Herbicides like glyphosate can tie up zinc. Zinc is essential for development of roots, leaves, and vascular system. 4 5 Review nutrient deficiency order. It is critical to note that the macronutrient in the Responsive or Deficient range will require attention before fertilizing for micro nutrients. Each element is essential for the plant to complete its life cycle and produce viable seed. However, the amount of each nutrient varies, and the most limiting nutrient will affect the yield of your crop or result in death of the plant. Many nutrients within the plant tissue may interact with another nutrient, and often not in a positive way; for example, elevated phosphorus levels on zinc or elevated zinc levels on iron. The implication is that you may have to apply more than one nutrient for your crop to attain its optimum yield. If a natural occurrence (drought, excessive wetness, hail, frost, disease, etc.) affects a field, the tissue analysis may provide information that fertility can correct. Evaluate all possible recommendations. Be sure to look at nitrogen-to-sulfur and nitrogen-to-potassium ratios, as well as other important nutrient relationships within the plant, which are indicated in the report. Refer to the Micronutrient Technical Handbook for more information. N P Fe Mg K Zn Mn Cu Mo S Ca B MOST DEFICIENT NUTRIENTS MOST SUFFICIENT NUTRIENTS _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 11 4/16/18 12:30 PM

12 What Do the Numbers Mean? Knowing what the numbers represent is essential to making good recommendations based on tissue sampling. The numbers found on the report are concentrations of the nutrients in the plant tissue, measured in either percent or ppm. Nitrogen tends to be the highest concentration in most plants and molybdenum tends to be the lowest. The numbers represent nutrient concentrations and whether or not they are being adequately supplied to the plant for optimizing genetic potential and yield. These numbers help determine if certain processes such as root growth, leaf size and number of blooms will be affected. To better understand these concentrations, look at the table titled Elements and Their Major Physiological Roles. Here are a few things to note: 1. No single nutrient does everything. 2. Many nutrients are needed for some physiological activities, which means there are nutrient relationships. 3. Keep in mind that the plant has a hierarchy of nutrient needs: N, P and K are always the most important; followed by Ca, Mg and S; and then the micronutrients B, Cu, Cl, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn. ELEMENTS AND THEIR MAJOR PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLES Phosphorus (P) Nitrogen (N) Potassium (K) Magnesium (Mg) Calcium (Ca) Sulfur (S) Boron (B) Copper (Cu) Chlorine (Cl) Molybdenum (Mo) Manganese (Mn) Iron (Fe) Zinc (Zn) Photosynthesis Carbohydrate Production Leaf Area 4 4 Root Development Proteins Energy (Plant Vigor) Water and Nutrient Uptake (Movement) Plant Health (Positive) Sugar Movement (Effect on Grain Fill and Yield) Nitrogen Utilization 4 4 Fruit Quality Plant Mobile Nutrients Reproduction Stalk Quality and Strength _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 12 4/6/18 3:04 PM

13 Nitrogen in Corn Let s look at an example of how nutrient concentrations really influence crop production. Imagine a corn plant at V4. What do we want it to do? Grow roots. Expand and produce new leaves. Maximize photosynthesis for optimum plant vigor in addition to achieving the two previous points. Several nutrients work together to accomplish this. Nitrogen and phosphorus are needed for photosynthesis, along with several micronutrients. Potassium is needed along with nitrogen and phosphorus for root growth. Zinc and phosphorus work together to maximize leaf size. Let s say that the nitrogen concentration from a V4 sample was low. What would happen within the plant? Some essential metabolic processes that are dependent on nitrogen would not be operating at an optimal rate. This condition would not stop the plant s growth, but it would slow it down. Root development may slow and overall plant vigor may decrease. Photosynthesis and carbohydrate production would not be optimal, which could cause uptake of other nutrients to be altered. Now let s say that by V7, nitrogen is no longer low, but deficient. Big changes now occur lethal changes. Protein synthesis stops, causing enzyme activity to cease. This means no new cells are being created. Root growth and leaf expansion stop. At this growth stage, ear size could also be negatively affected. The difference between being low and being deficient is the difference between a slowdown and a stoppage in plant activity. If not corrected, death of certain plant parts will occur. NutriSolutions Tissue Testing Can Diagnose Before Symptoms Show Much has been written regarding the use of plant tissue analysis as a tool to diagnose a suspected nutrient deficiency or toxicity. The emphasis is on taking a composite sample from plants with obvious visual problems and a separate composite sample from plants not exhibiting any symptoms. Often, optimum yield already may have been lost. Correcting the problem to enhance yield from this point on is typically less than successful. The nutrient concentration in the normal sample will be at the lower end of the Adequate range; and the visually deficient sample may be drastically different either in the Deficient or Excessive range. The reported levels may not be what is expected, and you will have to evaluate soil tests and environmental conditions during the growth cycle to make the proper interpretation regarding the best course of action. IRON: 73 PPM DEFICIENT COPPER: 11 PPM ADEQUATE _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 13 4/6/18 3:04 PM

14 Response at Various Growth Stages MICRONUTRIENT HIERARCHY Corn Emergence to V5 V5 to Late V Stages VT to Pre-pollination Reproductive Boron Copper Iron Manganese Zinc Soybean Vegetative Reproductive Boron Copper Iron Manganese Zinc Wheat Boron Copper Iron Manganese Zinc Emergence to Early Joint Early Joint to Flag Leaf Pre-pollination Grain Fill Cotton Emergence to Match Head Square Match Head Square to First Bloom First Bloom to Early Boll Early Boll to Maturity Boron Copper Iron Manganese Zinc Sugar Beet Boron Copper Iron Manganese Zinc 2 to 10 Leaf August _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 14 4/6/18 3:04 PM

15 SECONDARY MACRONUTRIENT HIERARCHY Corn Emergence to V5 V5 to Late V Stages VT to Pre-pollination Reproductive Calcium Magnesium Sulfur Soybean Vegetative Reproductive Calcium Magnesium Sulfur Wheat Calcium Magnesium Sulfur Emergence to Early Joint Early Joint to Flag Leaf Pre-pollination Grain Fill Cotton Emergence to Match Head Square Match Head Square to First Bloom First Bloom to Early Boll Early Boll to Maturity Calcium Magnesium Sulfur Sugar Beet Calcium Magnesium Sulfur 2 to 10 Leaf August Probably will not respond Possible response if deficient Highly responsive _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 15 4/6/18 3:04 PM

16 Plant Nutrition Case Study To help illustrate the importance of visual symptoms caused by nutrient deficiency and other crop stresses, consider the following pictures and data of V7 corn. Plot 1 Plants showing visual deficiency symptoms, some less than others Plot 2 Some show visual symptoms and some have no visual symptoms Plot 3 No water damage and no visual symptoms The NutriSolutions tissue analysis for the field shown in the photos above is presented in the following table. GREEN NUMBERS: ADEQUATE PLOT # N P K Mg Ca S Fe Mn B Cu Zn % PPM ORANGE NUMBERS: RESPONSIVE RED NUMBERS: DEFICIENT 1 small plants 1 normal plants BLACK NUMBERS: EXCESSIVE The growing season prior to sample collection was affected by a warm April. The crop was planted on time, but then excessive rains came. Plot 1 was severely affected by standing water due to an inadequate tile drain system. Plot 2 was slightly higher in elevation, but the root system was still affected by excess water and inadequate oxygen. Plot 3 was wetter than normal during May, June and July, but not saturated. The interpretation for Plot 1 is that tile drainage must be improved before any fertilizer application will affect yield in a wetter-thannormal season. The corn plants were negatively affected by several heavy rain events, which resulted in plants not exceeding 3 feet in height and growing nubbin ears with few viable kernels. The nutrient imbalance was attributed to a lack of oxygen. Plots 2 and 3 were affected to a lesser degree than Plot 1 by the wetter-than-normal season. The excess water had a negative impact on boron. This nutrient should be addressed and monitored through R1. Foliar fertilizer should have a positive impact if the oxygen depletion problem is solved, which was true for plots 2 and 3. The potassium deficiency needs to be addressed. The soil test indicated that potassium was adequate. However, the wetter-thannormal season reduced root depth. Potassium should have been applied to foliage to bridge the gap until conditions later in the season allowed the roots to grow deeper and access the available potassium. Plot 3 had low zinc values and is a candidate for a foliar zinc application. An in-furrow application of 9% fully chelated zinc next planting season is an alternative. Plot 1 was so influenced by a lack of oxygen that there will be little response expected from an application this year. Complexity is your advantage as a trusted advisor. The use of plant tissue analysis is part of your tool kit. Use this to help your customers understand the effectiveness of their fertility programs and specific soil conditions. It allows you to read the story the plant is telling _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 16 4/6/18 3:04 PM

17 Using Tissue Samples to Eliminate Cannibalization of Nitrogen Many times during the vegetative stages of corn, NutriSolutions tissue samples will report that a field is responsive to or deficient in nitrogen. The plant will actually have no visual signs of nitrogen deficiencies, but if we understand what happens after pollination, then we can see why a plant can behave in such a way. Seeds (grain) need proteins to store nitrogen during germination and to produce enzymes that are essential for the conversion of sugars, for cell division and for cell differentiation during germination. All proteins consist of nitrogen. Proteins begin to accumulate in the grain shortly after pollination and continue to multiply, probably until the grain reaches black layer, with the majority of protein accumulating during the last half of grain fill. To produce this protein, the plant uses nitrogen from the plant stalks and leaves. This is called redistribution. Redistribution is a normal part of reproduction, and as long as the plant has a plentiful supply of free nitrogen (nitrogen not contained in the plant s structural components or being used for other essential processes), no yield loss would be expected. However, if the plant does not contain enough free nitrogen, it will begin to cannibalize itself to get the nitrogen it needs for grain fill. Cannibalization is the plant tearing itself apart to get the nitrogen that is contained in the structural components mentioned above. Remember that protein accumulation increases during the last half of grain fill, thus requiring more nitrogen. This is why we tend to see the typical signs, or firing, of nitrogen deficiencies in the last half of grain fill. Under high-yield conditions, we need to allow the plant to become a reservoir for nitrogen that can be redistributed to the ear during grain fill. This reservoir can only be built and filled during the crop s vegetative stages. This is the reason the plant can be responsive to or deficient in nitrogen with no outward signs of this deficiency. Without an adequate nitrogen supply, these corn stalks were cannibalized during mid- to late-grain fill as the corn plant redistributed nitrogen within the plant. Nitrogen deficiency resulted in stalk cannibalization in the corn on the left, while the nitrogen-sufficient corn on the right exhibits strong, healthy stalks. 200-Bushel Corn: Do the Math Achieving targeted corn yields depends on supplying plants with adequate nitrogen (N) throughout the season. Here s what it takes to attain 200-bushel yields. 58 pounds test weight 11,600 pounds of corn 986 pounds of protein x 200 bushels = 11,600 pounds of corn x 8.5% = 986 pounds of protein x 16% = pounds of N needed during the last half of grain fill to prevent cannibalization pounds N that is redistributed or cannibalized during grain fill _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 17 4/6/18 3:04 PM

18 PLANT TISSUE SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS Alfalfa Canola Clover CROP WHEN TO SAMPLE PART OF PLANT TO SAMPLE Corn and Corn Silage FIELD CROPS Before cutting Top 4 to 5 inches of growth Regrowth after cutting Top 4 to 5 inches of new growth Once during vegetative growth At least twice from bloom to mid-pod set Prior to bloom First fully mature leaf down from the terminal; this is usually the 4th or 5th leaf down Mature leaf blades about 1/3 of the way down the plant NUMBER OF PLANTS TO SAMPLE Between V4 and V12 Uppermost collared leaf R1 (brown silk) to R4 Ear leaf Pinhead square Cotton First bloom First fully developed leaf from the terminal; this is Full bloom usually the 4th or 5th leaf down Boll fill Flax Seedling stage or prior to heading Aboveground portion or youngest mature leaves Grain Sorghum Boot stage Mature leaves from new growth Once during grain fill Third leaf below the head Hay, Forage or Pasture Grasses Peanut Before seed head emergence or at the stage for best quality The 4 uppermost leaf blades Once before pegging Whole aboveground portion of the plant At least twice between pegging and harvest Whole aboveground portion of the plant June Mint Early July Top 6 inches of the stem, leaves and Late July flowers removed August Once during early tillering Rice Pre-panicle Mature leaves from new growth Once during grain fill Soybean V3 to V5 Uppermost fully open mature trifoliate and At least twice between R1 and R4 remove petioles Twice between the 2nd and 10th leaf stages Sugar Beet Once in early July First fully mature leaf, collected at the growing point Once in early August Sugarcane 3 months after planting (S3P) Third fully developed leaf from the top Early vegetative Sunflower At first sign of flower bud Fully mature leaf down from the terminal After pollination Tobacco 30 days post-planting up to bloom Uppermost fully developed leaf 15 Winter Wheat and Barley Tillering to early joint Whole aboveground portion of the plant Flag leaf Flag leaf NOTE: Periods of extreme weather or dormancy prior to tissue collection may affect nutrient analysis results. Avoid collecting tissue samples if recent weather has included extreme heat, freeze, drought or moisture. Consult your local agronomist if any of these conditions were present prior to collection to discuss results _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 18 4/13/18 11:04 AM

19 PLANT TISSUE SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS Cabbage CROP WHEN TO SAMPLE PART OF PLANT TO SAMPLE 10 to 14 days after transplant Twice during head development VEGETABLE CROPS Top 4 to 5 inches of new growth Celery Mid-growth cycle Petiole of youngest mature leaf stem Cucurbits 10 to 14 days after transplant (Cucumber, Watermelon, Once fruit set begins, at least every 10 to 14 days 5th leaf from the vine tip Cantaloupe, etc.) until the end of harvest Edible Beans (Pinto, Navy, Great Northern, Kidney) Leaf Crops (Lettuce, Spinach, etc.) Once during vegetative growth At least twice between first bloom and maturity Uppermost fully open mature trifoliate and remove petioles NUMBER OF PLANTS TO SAMPLE Mid-growth Youngest mature leaf Onion Bulb initiation to mid-bulb Mid-bulb to harvest Whole tops (green portion) 12 Peppers (Chile, etc.) Once fruit set starts, at least every 10 to 14 days until the end of harvest Youngest, fully mature leaves inch vine Potato Tuber initiation 3 to 5 samples between tuber bulking and vine kill Petiole of the first fully mature leaf at the growing point Pulse Crops (Lentil, Once during vegetative growth Uppermost fully open mature trifoliate and Chickpea, Green Pea) At least twice between first bloom and maturity remove petioles Root Crops (Carrots, Beets, etc.) Before root or bulb enlargement Center mature leaves Sweet Corn Before tasseling Entire fully mature leaf below the whorl At tasseling Entire leaf at the ear node to 14 days after transplant Tomato Starting at first sign of flowering, at least every 10 to 14 days through to harvest Leaf petiole opposite or below top flower cluster FRUIT AND NUT CROPS Almond July Mature leaves from new growth Apple, Apricot, Almond, Cherry, Peach, Pear, Plum Mid-season Leaves near base of current year s growth Once 14 to 21 days after dormancy break Berries (Blueberry, Raspberry, Blackberry) Once fruit set begins, at least every 10 to 14 days until the end of harvest Mature leaves from new growth Citrus Cranberry Starting at bloom, collect samples at regular intervals through harvest Once 14 to 21 days after dormancy break Once fruit set begins, at least every 10 to 14 days until end of harvest 4- to 6-month-old spring flush leaves taken from non-fruiting twigs 100 Mature leaves from new growth Grapes End of bloom period Petioles from leaves adjacent to fruit clusters Pecan 6 to 8 weeks after bloom Leaves from terminal shoots, taking the pairs from the middle of the leaf Strawberry At first sign of flower bud Every 7 to 10 days during fruiting Mature leaves from new growth Walnut 6 to 8 weeks after bloom Middle leaflet pairs from mature shoots Source: Midwest Laboratories, 2009, and WinField Solutions, _WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 19 4/6/18 3:04 PM

20 References Alfalfa Compound Berries Melons Sugar Beets Almonds Corn MicroMacro Publishing, Athens, GA Mint California Plant Health Association Western Fertilizer Handbook. Prentice Hall. Micke, W Almond Production Manual. Publication University of California, Davis, Davis, CA. Bergmann, W Nutritional Disorders of Plants: Development, Visual and Analytical Diagnosis. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, Germany. Onions California Plant Health Association Western Fertilizer Handbook. Prentice Hall. Barley Bergmann, W Nutritional Disorders of Plants: Development, Visual and Analytical Diagnosis. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, Germany. Beans Blueberries Cabbage Canola California Plant Health Association Western Fertilizer Handbook. Prentice Hall. Citrus Obreza, T.A., M. Zekrt, and E.A. Hanlon Soil and leaf tissue testing, pp In: Obreza, T.A. and K.T. Morgan (eds.). Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees. University of Florida-IFAS SL 253. Corn Silage Bergmann, W Nutritional Disorders of Plants: Development, Visual and Analytical Diagnosis. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, Germany. Costal Bermudagrass Cotton Bergmann, W Nutritional Disorders of Plants: Development, Visual and Analytical Diagnosis. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, Germany. California Plant Health Association Western Fertilizer Handbook. Prentice Hall. Cucumbers Grain Sorghum Hops Gingrich, C., Hart, J., Christensen, N. 1994, Hops Fertilizer Guide, OSU Extension Catalog FG79. Peanuts Peppers and Chilies Potatoes Bergmann, W Nutritional Disorders of Plants: Development, Visual and Analytical Diagnosis. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, Germany. Pulse Crops Manitoba Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Initiatives. Field Beans Production. agriculture/crops///pulsecrops/ bhd03s01.html. Accessed 25 October Rice Strawberries Soybeans Sugarcane Sunflower Blamey, F.P.C., D. Mould, and J. Chapman Critical boron concentrations in plant tissues of two sunflower cultivars. Agronomy Journal 71: Squash Tobacco Tomatoes Watermelons Wheat Alley, M.M., P. Scharf, D.E. Brann, W.E. Baethgen, and J.L. Hammons Nitrogen Management for Winter Wheat: Principles and Recommendations. Publication Virginia Cooperative Extension, Blacksburg, VA. Learn more at winfieldunited.com Always read and follow all label directions. Results may vary and depend upon factors beyond Winfield Solutions control. WinField United is a trademark, and CornSorb, MAX-IN, NutriSolutions, R7, Ultra ZMB and WinField are registered trademarks of Winfield Solutions, LLC WinField Solutions, LLC 55916_WIN_NutriSolutions360_Tissue_v18.indd 20 CPN3530HB 4/10/18 11:02 AM